合宿 - a time to communicate, connect and create in tune with nature.

合宿, pronounced gashuku in Japanese, is a style of study/training camp. People in Japan begin to participate in this style of training as early as primary school. Gashuku is a chance to learn and connect with peers on a similar path.

 

At gashuku we aim to fully engage in specifically intentioned activities known as 'katsudou'. Katsudou vary greatly depending on season and weather. Katsudou include, but are not limited to  walking meditation, groundskeeping and food preparation.

 

Our center sits beneath Shogen Shrine. 'Sho gen' means 'properly present'.

Just a glance towards the mountains gently reminds us to be here now. 

walk to awaken

Accessible from our center on foot is a trail system which been used around 1300 years, The trails were developed and used by 'Yamabushi' monks as a form of spiritual, mental and physical training.

 

Shinto shrines and  giant stones along the trail are still respected as living gods.

ikebana

Sogetsu-ryu (草月流) is a style of Ikebana (flower arrangement) founded in 1927, which broke from strict traditional rules to allow for individual expression.

 

A  teacher of Sogetsu-ryu will guide in the creation of your own expressive ikebana using on-site seasonal plants. 

vegan kitchen

One of many ways our school practices kindness is through vegetarian education.

 

Several times per month we serve donation based vegan lunches. 

 

We can make a choice to be more kind at least 3 times/day.

 

being kind can also taste amazing!

grounds keeping

Much of our own free time is spent on this katsudou. 

 

We feel great joy to see he grounds develop. we work with nature and wonder at its speedy progression. 

 

Each plant on the grounds ultimately serves a positive function.

 

We wonder how life was for the people who lived in this area 1500 or more years ago.